Monthly Archives:
June 2014

Friday night I had the joy to attend the fabulous new exhibit at the Berkshire Museum titled “Butterflies!” The galleries are filled with hands on art and science activities, contemporary butterfly sculpture, artifacts from the museum’s collections, live caterpillars, and mixed media of photography and film, including an audio track from Dr. Lincoln Brower discussing what happens within a chrysalis. And, as part of the exhibit, one of the galleries houses a large butterfly pavilion with over 200 live tropical butterflies from around the world!

Underwings of the Blue Morpho Butterfly from the live butterfly pavillion.

“Butterflies” was curated by Maria Mingalone, the museum’s director of interpretation, and she deftly and beautifully combines science, art, and nature in an exhibit that is sure to inspire and delight the very youngest to the most senior of citizens, and every age in between! The opening was very joyful and buoyant—I most certainly felt that way and, judging from the expressions on visitor’s faces, wasn’t alone. I am convinced that butterflies bring out the happy in people!The audience for my short film “Flight of the Monarchs”—I watched as many people watched my film many times over, despite the case that because the galleries were so crowded you couldn’t hear the beautiful music. I think there were several thousand people at the event.

The music that I set my film to is “Fields of Blue,” written and performed by Jesse Cook. I wrote the artist and sent him a copy of my film and the most amazing thing happened where, within only the few day whirlwind to create this little film, we were granted permission to use his song!!!!!!!!

My film opens with a clip of a Monarch flying in front of Eastern Point Lighthouse (you can see our Lighthouse in the above photo). Most of the footage that I used for the movie was of butterflies in flight, shot on Cape Ann, and the audience was stunned at how beautiful the migration is through Gloucester. That opening clip of the Lighthouse and the Monarch took several days to capture the exact shot that I wanted. Butterflies don’t take direction!Some of my photos were used to illustrate Dr. Brower’s audio recording explaining what happens inside a chyrsalis

Sam and his fiance Kathy, also a graduate student in environmental studies.

If you have never been to the Berkshire Museum, their website description reads as follows: “The Berkshire Museum offers a unique array of exhibitions, activities, and attractions for visitors of all ages. From fine art and ancient objects to fossils; from an aquarium of native and exotic creatures to the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, we are your community museum: a place where everyone, from toddlers to elders, can learn, play, explore, innovate, be engaged and inspired.”

I arrived early, before “Butterflies” opened its door, and explored the galleries. It’s really a very engaging museum and especially while the exhibit is running, would be a wonderfully fun and interesting day trip with children.

Sam Jaffe making final adjustments to the chrysalis and cocoon display. To see some of Sam’s stunning photography, click on his website here: Sam Jaffee

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Trident Gallery Presents: “Dennis Flavin: Figures” May 30 – June 29
Trident Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of figure paintings and drawings by Dennis Flavin. New and recent works on canvas and paper are displayed with earlier paintings illuminating Flavin’s path from realism to abstraction into the uninhibited and confident expressive style which has earned him notice and acclaim.
“Dennis Flavin: Figures” Artist’s Reception at Trident Gallery
Saturday, June 7th 6pm – 8pm
Trident Gallery is pleased to host an Artist’s Reception for Dennis Flavin on June 7th, from 6pm to 8pm
“Dennis Flavin: Figures” Conversation with the Artist at Trident Gallery
Sunday, June 15th, 5pm -6pm
Trident Gallery is pleased to host a conversation with Dennis Flavin on June 15th, from 5pm to 6pm. 189 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 491-7785

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The Ancient Riggs House, on Vine Street in Gloucester, was built in the 1640’s. Thomas Riggs bought it in 1661. It’s one of only three surviving squared-log houses in Massachusetts, and the oldest existing home on Cape Ann. In 1998, it got electricity, heat, and running water.

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I am really amazed with the results I have gotten using low tunnel hoop gardening, an idea that i picked up from Eliot Coleman’s vegetable gardening book (from Maine). Here is a picture today from part of my garden and it is only May 31st. Goggle for more info or feel free to call

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First off I’m not suggesting for a second that we ever get rid of dishwashers, but after watching the video it makes me think that there’s a ton of water that gets wasted because people don’t want to scrub their dishes by hand, me being one of them.

Edit:

I’ve been corrected. I had no idea the water was recirculated by a pump. Makes me feel much better.

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My wife, Tricia, and I enjoyed a cruise on the Beauport Princess tonight. I thought Good Morning Gloucester readers might be interested in some photos from the cruise (including one of Captain Joe and Sons). It was a three hour sunset cruise with a buffet dinner (prime rib, haddock, ravioli, and more) and dancing. What a fantastic value!

Gloucester Webcam

The GloucesterCast Podcast

Free GMG Gloucester Sticker

As long as supplies last if any GMG folks want a bumper sticker but can't drop down the dock, just send a self addressed and stamped envelope longer then 7 and a half inches and I'll drop one in the mail for you.

Send the self addressed and stamped envelope to the dock at 95 East Main St Gloucester Ma 01930 care of Joey (put my name in big letters to make sure it gets to me)

Free GMG Gloucester Sticker

As long as supplies last if any GMG folks want a bumper sticker but can't drop down the dock, just send a self addressed and stamped envelope longer then 7 and a half inches and I'll drop one in the mail for you.

Send the self addressed and stamped envelope to the dock at 95 East Main St Gloucester Ma 01930 care of Joey (put my name in big letters to make sure it gets to me)